Rebuild Upstate announces 2026 board officers and new board members
January 19, 2026
Rebuild Upstate has announced its 2026 Board of Directors leadership, naming new officers and welcoming three new members whose professional expertise spans finance, banking, architecture, and regional economic development.
The newly elected board officers are Rob Schmidt, board chair; Nick Smith, vice chair and governance chair; and Lora Jex, finance chair. Each officer brings multiple years of professional experience and community involvement across the Upstate and will support the organization’s strategic growth and operational oversight.
Schmidt is a shareholder and director at Furman Capital Advisors. Smith is a mortgage banker at First Palmetto Bank, and Jex is the chief risk officer and executive vice president at HomeTrust Bank.
Rebuild Upstate also welcomed three new board members: Hunter Gibson, manager at Standard Capital Partners; Lisa Gilstrap, mortgage banker at Prime Lending; and Brandie Greer, president and CEO of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Our board reflects the strength of leadership across the Upstate’s business and civic sectors,” said Jake Beaty, CEO of Rebuild Upstate. “Their collective expertise will help guide Rebuild Upstate as we continue expanding our impact and planning for long-term sustainability.”
About Rebuild Upstate
Rebuild Upstate is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving safe, affordable housing by providing critical home repairs and accessibility improvements for low-income homeowners in Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, and Oconee counties. By strengthening existing homes and neighborhoods, Rebuild Upstate supports community stability and economic resilience throughout the region. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.
